“The only limits you have are the limits you believe.”

 

Back in November of 2019 I wrote a post about the “15 Benefits of Reading Every Day”. I still stand by what I wrote. I also still read every single day. I keep a stack of about a half a dozen books at any given time to read. For the last 20 months I have been mainly reading up on finances. I believe that becoming fully financially literate falls inline with adopting a healthier lifestyle. Whether it is eating healthier, exercising regularly, or being fully present for our children and loved ones, it comes down to self discipline. Sun Tzu taught that “victory belongs not to the wishful, but the disciplined. Every triumph requires effort, patience, and endurance”. 

 Think and Grow Rich as I have shared was the first book ever gifted to me. I first read it when i was around 14 years old. He I am 47 years later reading it again. When I first started rereading it about a week ago, I asked myself, no wonder why this book didn’t work for me? I quickly not only remembered parts I read 47 years ago. I also recognized certain aspects that stuck with me over the years. By the time I reached the third chapter my question was easily answered. The reason why the book didn’t work for me as far as becoming rich was concerned, was because I never chose to become rich. Wanting to become rich, and choosing to become rich are two entirely different things. It’s like wanting to be in great shape, and actually choosing to be in great shape. The latter requires hard work, dedication, and yes, discipline. 

 Think and Grow Rich, published by Napoleon Hill in 1937, is one of the most influential personal development books ever written. It outlines a psychological and philosophical roadmap for achieving success, based on Hill's 20-year study of over 500 self-made millionaires. The central premise of the book is that "thoughts are things"—that our mental state, beliefs, and attitudes directly shape our physical and financial reality. Hill argues that success is a formula that can be replicated by anyone who masters their mindset and follows specific principles. 

 I may have not chosen to become rich. But along my journey I have chosen many other things. What I realized reading this book for the second time was that I have definitely altered my reality a number of times throughout my life. I have achieved many things. Those that I didn’t achieve taught me lessons you couldn’t buy at the most prestigious ivy league schools. One of my favorite Hill quotes is “The starting point of all achievement is desire. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desires bring weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat". That is how this journey to adopt a healthier lifestyle started, as a desire. A strong desire. 

 Think and Grow Rich is highly recommended as essential reading for business students and entrepreneurs, often cited as a foundational text for developing a success-oriented, growth mindset. This book is definitely one of my top 5 books that have changed my life. I believe it helped me more than I realized throughout my life. It is also once again guiding me into the final chapters of my life.  

 I highly recommend this book to anyone that is looking to alter their reality. I can attest that changing the world you currently live in, is definitely possible. I have created what could be deemed as hell on earth in the past. I then went on to create what is more like heaven. My current life. Both are possible, by choice. Getting healthy can happen for anyone. But first, you must make that choice. Thanks for reading.